You can make a difference as a Society Board Member.
The nomination period has closed for the election of the 2027 Board of Directors of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
2027 Positions —to be elected July 2026
These positions will be elected in July 2026 for the 2027 Board:
- Society President (1 year term, repeatable)
- Society Executive Vice President (1 year term, repeatable)
- Society Treasurer (1 year term, repeatable)
- Society Secretary (1 year term, repeatable)
- Directors At Large (3 year term, not repeatable) — two seats to be elected
General timeline and process
March
Active recruiting and conversations with interested applicants
March-April 15
Applications accepted
April-May
Leadership Development Committee reviews / Interviews selected applicants
May
Leadership Development Committee presents applicants for review by district presidents
May
Final slate of candidates delivered to Society Board
June
Nominations accepted from the floor
July
Election at Board meeting
Duties – Society Board of Directors
Barbershop Harmony Society
Aligned with the Strategic Vision: Everyone in Harmony
Role Overview
The Board of Directors of the Barbershop Harmony Society provides visionary leadership, fiduciary oversight, and strategic stewardship to advance the Society’s mission to bring people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing and to achieve the Strategic Vision of Everyone in Harmony. This vision guides the Board’s focus on scaling participation, impact, assets, and inclusion so more people, communities, and generations can experience barbershop harmony.
Board members serve as volunteer ambassadors and strategic partners to the CEO and staff, setting direction, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding the Society’s long-term health and relevance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Champion the Strategic Vision Everyone in Harmony and help translate high-level strategic priorities into organizational actions and decisions.
Guide and approve long-range planning that prioritizes expanding participation and engagement, increasing impact, growing strategic assets, and deepening inclusion.\
Ensure the strategic plan and Board decisions reflect the Society’s mission, core values (Inclusion, Service, Humanity), and affirmations of dignity, welcome, and growth for all participants.
Fiduciary Oversight & Risk Management
Approve and monitor the annual budget, financial performance, and resource allocation to ensure sustainable financial health and responsible stewardship.
Review and mitigate organizational risks, ensuring policies and controls uphold legal compliance, sound financial practices, and ethical integrity.
Evaluate funding strategies that support growth in membership, programs, and global reach, including partnerships, philanthropy, and social enterprise opportunities.
Governance & Organizational Oversight
Hire, support, and evaluate the CEO/Executive Director; collaborate on leadership succession planning.
Establish and enforce governance policies that promote accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
Participate actively in Board and committee meetings, providing informed oversight and strategic counsel without engaging in daily management.
Culture, Inclusion, and Member Experience
Model and uphold a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging consistent with the Society Code of Ethics and the strategic emphasis on broadening access to barbershop participation.
Help identify opportunities to strengthen member engagement, music education, community programming, and diverse participation pathways.
Ambassadorship, Advocacy & Outreach
Serve as ambassadors for the Society, advancing its mission and strategic priorities with key stakeholders, communities, donors, and cultural partners.
Advocate for the value of barbershop harmony as a tool for creative expression, social connection, and lifelong singing.
Support strategic initiatives that raise the Society’s profile, elevate artistic excellence, and increase access for diverse participants.
Qualifications & Experience
Board members bring a blend of strategic insight, governance experience, and passion for the Society’s mission. Desired qualifications include:
Deep commitment to the mission and the “Everyone in Harmony” vision.
Experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, finance, law, fundraising, marketing, DEI leadership, music education, arts administration, or related fields.
Ability to think strategically and collaboratively within complex, mission-driven organizations.
Strong communication skills and a commitment to inclusive leadership and ethical conduct.
Prior board or leadership experience is preferred but not required. Barbershop participation experience is valued but secondary to strategic orientation.
Time Commitment
Regular attendance at Board meetings (in-person and/or virtual) and active engagement in committee work.
Participation in retreats, strategic planning sessions, and Society events as needed.
Estimated time commitment: 2–10 hours per month.
Term & Service Details
Board Officers serve a term of 1 year, with eligibility for re-election in accordance with Society bylaws. Directors At large serve a term of 3 years.
This is an unpaid volunteer leadership role; reasonable travel and related expenses are reimbursed per Society policy.
Expectations & Core Values
Board members are expected to:
Act in the Society’s best interest, prioritizing mission and long-term strategy.
Collaborate with colleagues respectfully and constructively.
Uphold the Society’s Code of Ethics, values of inclusion and service, and commitment to expanding barbershop harmony for all.
BHS Leadership Development Committee • bhsnomcom@barbershop.org
Terry Reynolds
Jeremy Brann
Mo Field
Cody Harrell
Stephen Vandenberg
